ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – In recent years, more and more teachers in Minnesota have taken medical leave.

While there are many factors for this, some educators in the St. Paul district tell the Pioneer Press leave-takings are seen by some as a way to deal with mounting stress placed on teachers.

A survey of 85 school districts in 2008 by the Minnesota School Boards Association found a 27 percent increase in days that educators spent on various types of leave, when compared with two years earlier.

The association also says more districts are reporting a spike in mental-health-related leaves, due to growing class sizes and increasing expectations.

Tim Caskey, human-resources director in the St. Paul district, says he doesn’t know why leave-takings have increased there in recent years.